CLOSE TO THE EDGE

There are no false notes in this magical, mystical masterpiece. This 1972 high watermark of the genre was perhaps the finest hour (well, near forty minutes) of the lineup that most Yes fans consider to have been the definitive one: the angel-voiced Anderson, the superlative Squire, the wizardly Wakeman, the brilliant Bruford, and the heroic Howe. On CLOSE TO THE EDGE, the Yes-men create music that is near-spiritual in the depth of emotion it can evoke.

To immerse yourself in the opening title track is to be transported to a beautiful, unspoiled and fertile alien world. For me, listening to this masterful, near-nineteen minute suite is akin to being "front-pew-center" in some otherworldly church of prog -- a moving, quasi-religious experience. It's just that good!

Though it would hardly seem possible, I enjoy the second track, "And You And I," even more. Howe introduces the song on acoustic, before being joined by Squire and his Rickenbacker, in what is perhaps my favourite opening in all of prog -- please PLAY IT LOUD! The remainder of this great number easily lives up to the tremendous promise of the beginning, and Anderson and Wakeman, in particular, really shine here, with majestic, powerful vocals, and sweeping mellotrons and spot-on synths, respectively. I absolutely LOVE this song!

You'll want to keep the volume pumped for the final piece, because "Siberian Khatru" really rocks! This was the first Yes song that I ever got into as a young teen -- it's an infectious, multi-faceted and diamond-edged gem that is a wonderful showcase for Squire's thundering bass, Howe's unique guitar style, Bruford's precise drumming, and the group's terrific harmony vocals. "Khatru" is a magnificent musical motivator, a great Saturday starter, and a likely choice to put your subwoofer "through its paces," and really get your heart pumping and your house shaking!

If you are already a Yes fan, you almost certainly have and adore this disc. If you are new to progressive rock, and want to discover one of the very best classic, defining works of the genre, you really can't go wrong with CLOSE TO THE EDGE. A must!

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